20.53°C Vancouver

Nov 11, 2020 12:23 AM -

Celebrate Diwali safely this year: Doug McCallum

Share On

On behalf of City Council, I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Diwali this year.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a much-loved cultural tradition in Surrey that promotes the message of unity, warmth and joy.

Like all big celebrations, Diwali is traditionally a time for family and friends to come together to enjoy food and each other’s company.

This year, however, celebrations must be approached differently.

With the recent sharp rise of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Vancouver a new Provincial Health Order was issued this past weekend and it is vital that Diwali celebrations comply with the new order.

If we all do our part, we can rein in the spread of the virus and bring the curve back down.

That is why it is more important than ever that this year’s celebrations are kept only to your immediate household as mandated by the Provincial Health Order.

That means no social gatherings, whether they be indoors or outdoors, of any size beyond your immediate household.

I am proud of how the vast majority of our community have taken the COVID public health protocols to heart.

We must all continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of this virus so we can better our odds of getting back to the way of life we all want sooner rather than later.

Make no mistake about it, the actions we take now will have a long-term impact in our fight against COVID.

So do your part and keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe by fully observing the new Provincial Health Order that has been put in place between now and November 23.

Latest news

death-toll-rises-to-30-after-bangkok-music-bar-fire-investigation-committee-formed
WorldJul 14, 2026

Death toll rises to 30 after Bangkok music bar fire; investigation committee formed

The death toll from a fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao music bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district has risen to 30, according to Thai authorities. Officials said Tuesday that 24 people remain in critical condition in hospital, while several other injured victims have been discharged following treatment. The fire broke out late Sunday night at the entertainment venue. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about 30 minutes. Police are investigating the cause of the fire and whether any negligence contributed to the incident. According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest the
CanadaJul 14, 2026

Two men killed in Toronto festival shooting were allegedly armed

Toronto Police say two men killed during a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival on Saturday night have been identified as 20-year-old and 25-year-old victims. Police also confirmed that two firearms were recovered from the scene as the investigation continues. According to a Toronto Sun report citing an anonymous law enforcement source, both deceased men were allegedly armed and were involved in the exchange of gunfire. The source further claimed that no innocent bystanders were killed in the incident. Connect Newsroom has not independently verified those claims, and Toronto Police have
BCJul 13, 2026

45-year-old man feared drowned in Okanagan Lake after falling from inflatable tube

A 45-year-old man is feared drowned after falling into Okanagan Lake while riding an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat, according to West Kelowna RCMP. Police said the incident happened Saturday afternoon when the man lost his balance and fell into the water. Investigators said he was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay afloat after entering the lake. According to RCMP, the boat operator jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the man but was unable to reach him. The operator was later rescued by another boater who was passing through the area. A dive team has been de
calgary-landlord-charged-after-alleged-hidden-cameras-found-in-tenants-bedrooms-and-bathrooms
AlbertaJul 13, 2026

Calgary landlord charged after alleged hidden cameras found in tenants' bedrooms and bathrooms

Calgary police have charged a 41-year-old landlord after tenants allegedly discovered hidden cameras inside bedrooms and bathrooms at a southwest Calgary home. According to the Calgary Police Service, a tenant reported on June 7 finding a small camera concealed inside a surge protector in a bathroom and another camera attached to a smoke detector in a bedroom. After informing other tenants, they also located similar hidden cameras in their rooms and contacted police. Investigators executed a search warrant on June 12 at a home in the 200 block of Springborough Way S.W., where they seized sever
vancouver-police-seek-witnesses-after-unprovoked-assault-at-marpole-bus-stop
BCJul 13, 2026

Vancouver police seek witnesses after unprovoked assault at Marpole bus stop

Vancouver Police are asking the public for information after a man was allegedly assaulted without provocation while waiting at a bus stop in the Marpole neighbourhood last week. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on July 7 near Southwest Marine Drive and Ash Street. Investigators say the victim was waiting for a bus when a man approached from behind, pushed him and pulled the headphones from his head. Police allege the suspect then struck the victim several times with a longboard-style skateboard. The victim was able to flee the a

Related News